An intense confrontation broke out between the pit crews of Ty Gibbs and Brad Keselowski during the Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway on July 13, drawing widespread attention for the Ty Gibbs pit crew Sonoma fight. The clash occurred during a critical moment in the race, leading to heated exchanges, physical shoving, and a strong response from fans and officials alike.
Physical Altercation Ignites on Pit Road During Sonoma Race
The confrontation occurred on Lap 52, near the close of Stage 2, as Ty Gibbs maneuvered his car into his pit stall but crossed into Keselowski’s area. As Gibbs entered, his car came close to hitting RFK Racing tire changer Telvin McClurkin, reportedly twisting McClurkin’s wrist and causing a delay for Keselowski’s pit stop. McClurkin, affected by the contact, later approached Gibbs’ pit box, prompting a shoving session between the two crews. NASCAR officials quickly stepped in to break up the altercation, though some of these moments were not caught on film.
Spectators’ reactions surged online shortly after a 26-second video of the incident was posted by RFK Racing. Amongst the various viewpoints shared, one fan directly criticized Gibbs:
“Can’t swing in like that when there’s a man already standing there.”
Additional fans and viewers expressed mixed feelings. In contrast to criticism of Gibbs, one person pointed toward responsibility on Keselowski’s team:
“Looks like your crew should’ve waited for his car to go by before they came over the wall”
Other comments highlighted the dangerous atmosphere and the emotional intensity of the altercation:
“Ty was wrong,” a fan typed.
“Any other last name and he’d be back in trucks,” added another.
“I understand Ty being frustrated but pit road is no place for that crap. It’s just too dangerous,” someone commented.
“Should have parked him right away and sit out next week! Disgusting behavior!” another wrote.
Following the disruption, a statement from a NASCAR spokesperson explained that the No. 6 team was expected to give the No. 54 car a few additional seconds to clear the area before moving in. However, officials indicated that the matter would receive further review in the days ahead, suggesting potential disciplinary actions or clarifications of procedure may follow.
Post-Race Results and Standings Amid Turmoil
The fracas overshadowed some racing achievements at Sonoma Raceway, where Shane van Gisbergen of Trackhouse Racing secured first place in the 110-lap event. He was followed by Chase Briscoe, Chase Elliott, Michael McDowell, and Christopher Bell in the top five. Brad Keselowski finished eleventh, and Ty Gibbs reached seventh, marking his fifth top-10 result of the current season. Despite the conflict, both teams retained focus, completing the race amid ongoing controversy about pit road safety and conduct.
Perspectives from Teams and Officials on Pit Road Rights
After the race, Ty Gibbs gave his account, claiming he had complied with regulations as the lead car entering the pit. He explained to TNT Sports his understanding of the situation and how NASCAR’s rules applied:
“By NASCAR’s rules, you know, I’m the lead car because I’m in the pit box past where the 6 is and I’m in front of them as well,” Gibbs explained (quoted by Zach Sturniolo, nascar.com). “We have these orange lines right there. As you can see, I’m sure they’ll show you after… where if I’m behind him, I have to go around those orange lines for it to be the rule. Going in, I have the right-of-way.”
Jeremy Bullins, Keselowski’s crew chief, weighed in by stating he saw nothing wrong with Gibbs’s actions. Bullins asserted that if roles were reversed, Keselowski would have acted similarly, and verified that there were no lingering issues with the No. 6 team following the confrontation.
Support for Gibbs also came from within Joe Gibbs Racing, as Chris Gabehart, Director of Competition, confirmed that Gibbs had the right-of-way as the leading car and that the incident was the result of a particularly tight pit area. Gabehart’s remarks reflected the complexities crews face during hectic pit stops, especially at events such as Sonoma.
Ongoing Impact and What Comes Next in the NASCAR Season
The Ty Gibbs pit crew Sonoma fight has spotlighted the tensions and hazards inherent on pit road, escalating concerns around safety practices during high-pressure stops. As officials review detailed footage and testimonies, the incident may prompt NASCAR to release new guidelines or reinforce existing rules to prevent future altercations. Both teams and drivers are expected to keep a close eye on the outcome, as it could influence strategies and behavior for the rest of the racing season.
In the meantime, with Shane van Gisbergen’s victory and Ty Gibbs securing another strong finish despite controversy, the Cup Series moves forward, but the dramatic events at Sonoma Raceway will likely be discussed well beyond this race weekend.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why does Ty Gibbs drive the 54?
A. In 2022, Gibbs competed full-time in the Xfinity Series, driving the No. 54 Toyota. His grandfather, Joe Gibbs, owned the team.
Q. Is Ty Gibbs any good?
A. Based on Racing Insights, Gibbs is among the top 10 in passing, defense, and restarts on road courses this season. He also holds the fourth spot for average running position with a score of 10.92.
Q. Has Ty Gibbs ever won?
A. Ty Gibbs, the grandson of team owner Joe Gibbs, made a big impact in NASCAR in 2021. He won his debut race in the Xfinity Series at the Daytona Road Course. In 2022, Gibbs raced full time in the Xfinity Series and won the championship in his first season.
Q. How good is Ty Gibbs?
A. Ty Gibbs shares the top spot for the best average finish (6.0) among drivers in both NASCAR Cup Series races on the Chicago Street Course. In 2023, he began in 12th place and ended in ninth. The previous year, he started second, led for 17 laps, and finished in third place.
